Dover Area SD weighs three HVAC grant options, board leans toward comprehensive fix

Dover Area School District staff and consultants presented three grant application options to address priority‑one HVAC and moisture problems at Live Elementary and North Salem. The board discussed costs, the district match and whether to apply for the full $5 million grant in the current round.

"The first option is the least expensive option," consultant (presenter) said, describing Option 1 as replacement of chillers and chilled‑water pumps at Live and North Salem. He explained Option 2 adds updated controls and Option 3 adds unit‑ventilator replacement and broader work at Live Elementary, which is the older building with more moisture issues.

Under Option 3 the total project estimate shown in discussion was roughly $6 million with a district share reported at about 33% (including soft costs) — approximately $2 million — and a grant portion of about $4 million under the example calculation. Board members noted the grant maximum is $5 million and urged staff to explore whether the district should apply for the full amount and identify feasible priority‑one items to fill any gap.

Directors pressed for additional information before the vote: projected energy‑savings estimates and detailed breakout for each option. Director Emmick and others emphasized that addressing moisture‑related problems now may avoid six‑figure remediation costs later. The board directed staff to return next week with additional analysis; several members said they were leaning toward Option 3 or toward maximizing the grant if feasible.

No formal grant authorization or final option selection occurred at the meeting; the board will vote at the next (voting) meeting once staff provides the requested cost/energy‑savings analyses and any alternative items that could use additional grant capacity.